Brett Halliday was an American novelist known for detective fiction. Famous for creating private detective Michael Shayne, Halliday authored popular novels like Dividend on Death and Bodies Are Where You Find Them.
If you enjoy reading books by Brett Halliday then you might also like the following authors:
If you're a fan of Brett Halliday's Mike Shayne mysteries, Raymond Chandler will probably become one of your favorites. Chandler writes detective novels full of gritty realism, tough dialogue, and memorable characters.
His detective, Philip Marlowe, is quick-witted and cynical, but also surprisingly compassionate at times. A great example of Chandler's style is The Big Sleep, a classic detective story filled with twists, vivid descriptions, and sharp observations of 1940s life in Los Angeles.
Readers who appreciate Brett Halliday's crisp, no-nonsense storytelling will enjoy Dashiell Hammett. Hammett's writing is sharp and straightforward, with realistic dialogue and fast-moving plots.
He defined many classic detective-story conventions in The Maltese Falcon, featuring his detective hero, Sam Spade. Like Mike Shayne, Spade is smart, tough, and morally complex, facing danger and deception at every turn.
If Brett Halliday's direct approach and tough, confident characters appeal to you, I recommend Mickey Spillane. He wrote action-packed, tightly paced stories that don't shy away from violence or gritty storytelling.
Spillane's hero Mike Hammer is bold, ruthless, and determined, perfectly fitting the hard-edged atmosphere of novels like I, the Jury. Expect plenty of action, twists, and an unapologetically tough detective.
Ross Macdonald might suit readers who enjoy Brett Halliday's thoughtful mysteries and complex human characters. His detective, Lew Archer, specializes in exploring hidden secrets and family dynamics that reveal the darker side of human nature.
Macdonald places a strong emphasis on psychological depth and careful plotting. Try reading The Chill, a great example of Macdonald's talent for combining intriguing mysteries with meaningful storytelling.
If you enjoy Brett Halliday's straightforward, clever mysteries, Erle Stanley Gardner should be a good match. He's best known for creating Perry Mason, the iconic lawyer who tackles complex courtroom adventures with clever strategy and careful investigation.
Gardner's novels move quickly and keep readers engaged until the very end. You might start with The Case of the Velvet Claws, Mason's entertaining debut, which introduces readers to Gardner's lively and entertaining style.
If you enjoy Brett Halliday, John D. MacDonald's stories might appeal to you. He writes tough, well-paced mysteries, often featuring private eyes and complex cases. His Travis McGee series has plenty of action, wit, and an engaging protagonist.
One good place to start is The Deep Blue Good-by, which introduces the memorable investigator Travis McGee.
Richard S. Prather creates energetic, fast-paced detective stories filled with humor, action, and snappy dialogue. Like Brett Halliday, Prather has a talent for mixing crime-solving with entertainment.
You might enjoy his book The Case of the Vanishing Beauty, featuring the humorous and adventurous private eye Shell Scott.
If you like Brett Halliday's style, you could appreciate Carroll John Daly, one of the early creators of hardboiled detective fiction. Daly's stories have gritty action, straightforward storytelling, and tough protagonists who take no nonsense.
Try The Snarl of the Beast, featuring Daly's tough private detective Race Williams.
James M. Cain writes intense, suspense-driven novels packed with flawed characters, gritty atmosphere, and compelling crime plots. Though his style is darker than Brett Halliday's, you might find his fast-moving stories gripping and rewarding.
A classic Cain novel is The Postman Always Rings Twice, famous for its powerful narrative and realistic characters.
Jonathan Latimer crafts detective stories with humor, sharp dialogue, and clever plotting, something fans of Brett Halliday often enjoy. His books balance wit with action, creating a lively reading experience.
To get a sense of Latimer's style, start with Solomon's Vineyard, a novel blending humor, mystery, and a touch of the gritty detective tradition.
If you appreciate Brett Halliday, Robert B. Parker is another author you'll enjoy. Parker's straightforward storytelling style is fast-paced and filled with witty dialogue. He often creates distinctive protagonists like the private detective Spenser.
In Parker's novel The Godwulf Manuscript, Spenser investigates a mysterious theft, uncovering deeper layers of crime and corruption in his unique sarcastic style.
Thomas B. Dewey is a good choice if you like Brett Halliday's blend of mystery and edgy characters. Dewey's novels feature Mac, a tough yet sensitive private detective, navigating complex investigations with persistence and integrity.
A great example is the novel Draw the Curtain Close, which mixes gripping plot with well-developed characters, making the reader fully invested in Mac's world.
Wade Miller is actually two writers—Robert Wade and Bill Miller—working together under one name. Their stories feature compelling, carefully plotted mysteries centering around tough, street-smart detectives.
Their novel Touch of Evil is especially notable, highlighting human corruption, moral ambiguity, and the darker side of crime, themes familiar to anyone who enjoys Brett Halliday's work.
Frank Kane's Johnny Liddell novels deliver fast-moving, well-plotted action with entertaining dialogue and strong characterization. Fans of Brett Halliday will appreciate Kane's vivid prose, hardboiled style and his ability to craft a twisty story.
Bullet Proof is a great showcase for Johnny Liddell’s relentless personality as he investigates corruption, murder, and mobsters, capturing the gritty side of detective fiction.
Howard Browne's detective fiction offers a similar blend of snappy, engaging narrative and clear-cut writing style that Brett Halliday fans enjoy. Browne focuses on intriguing plots set in urban environments with characters that have plenty of attitude.
His novel Halo in Blood is a solid example, featuring private investigator Paul Pine in a tough case that mixes murder, intrigue, and unexpected turns.